Float Time, Precautions, & Balloon Care

FLOAT TIMES FOR MYLAR BALLOONS In optimum environments, mylar (foil) balloons will remain full and taut for 3-5 days. They will continue to float for two weeks or longer. Air-conditioned air may cause these balloons to shrivel, but they will return to a normal state when exposed to warmer air.

FLOAT TIMES FOR LATEX BALLOONS WITHOUT HI-FLOAT® TREATMENT 16-inch latex balloons will float indoors for 30-40 hours. 11-inch latex balloons will float indoors for 12-20 hours. Float times may be reduced significantly if balloons are used outdoors or at elevations higher than sea level.

HI-FLOAT® TREATMENT Latex balloons, used indoors and out of direct sunlight, will usually float for at least 3 days if treated with Hi-Float®, a non-toxic sealant which coats the inner wall of the balloon. Float time may be reduced significantly in unusually warm, unusually cool, or very humid environments, and at elevations significantly above sea level.

Any bouquet or balloon which includes the letters HF in the product number are automatically treated with Hi-Float® without an additional charge. Bulk balloons can be purchased by phone with or without Hi-Float®.

EFFECTS OF ELEVATION, SUNLIGHT, AIR CONDITIONING, AND WIND On hot days, in direct sunlight, balloons may pop within an hour. The same result can occur indoors if balloons are exposed to direct sunlight through windows.

Very cool environments may cause helium molecules to shrink, reducing the size and float time of balloons.

Indoors or outdoors, the constant flow of air around a balloon will increase the speed at which helium molecules escape through the wall of the balloon, resulting in reduced float time.

A WARNING ABOUT FLOATING BALLOONS ON CEILINGS! Static and invisible fibers on ceilings can cause balloons to pop. Allow your balloons to remain tied to an anchor for at least five hours before releasing them to the ceiling. This allows the balloons to shrink enough so that the skin becomes thicker and tougher. After five hours, take 2-3 balloons and rake them across the ceiling. If these do not pop, it should be safe to release additional balloons. If they do pop, allow additional time and run the test again.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

A. Do not breathe helium from a balloon. Helium is not toxic nor flammable, but breathing it can result in asphyxiation (loss of consciousness due to insufficient oxygen).

B. Do not release mylar (foil) balloons outdoors. Power failures can result if these balloons become entangled in electric lines.

C. Popped latex balloons present a choking hazard for small children. Do not leave small children unaccompanied with latex balloons.